Education Reform

America’s public schools are failing, under the influence of teachers’ unions and special interests. This monopolistic system traps students in an environment that is ill-equipped to provide them with the education they need. It’s time to put parents in charge, by giving them a real choice over how to educate their children. When schools compete and parents are free to choose, the educational benefits are amazing.

Hold Congress Accountable

About FreedomConnector

Find activists, groups, and events right in your own neighborhood. Join FreedomConnector to get involved and learn more about key issues threatening our economic freedom. Whether you’re looking for like-minded people, trying to boost your existing group’s impact, or simply trying to stay up on current events, FreedomConnector is the place to start. See what’s happening in your state today!

On Monday, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced his choice for Chancellor of New York City’s public schools – Joel Klein. The former Justice Department antitrust chief prosecutor now runs a huge monopoly. Will he break it up?

Today the United States Supreme Court made history. It ruled on the most important education case since Brown v. Board of Education. In its ruling, the right of children in Cleveland to attend schools that offer a quality education, and the right of parents elsewhere to have a choice in the education of their children, were upheld.

Today the United States Supreme Court made history. It ruled on the most important education case since Brown v. Board of Education. In its ruling, the right of children in Cleveland to attend schools that offer a quality education, and the right of parents elsewhere to have a choice in the education of their children, were upheld.

As the Supreme Court struggles with the constitutionality of school choice, the case for competition simply becomes stronger. Like any monopoly, the public school system behaves in ways that harm consumers. Unfortunately, in this case that means parents and their children, who are forced to attend schools where they have little input or control. Street addresses, not quality assessments, are the determining factor for most families when it comes to education.

Much will be written and said over the coming days about the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in the Cleveland school voucher case, Zelman v. Simmons-Harris. There will be important commentary about the legal issues surrounding the case, and plenty of political analysis. Education analysts will talk of school performance, budgets, and spending levels. All of it will be interesting and important, but may miss the fundamental principle and issue at stake – FREEDOM.

Congress has recessed for Easter and Passover and most school children across America have a break in classes to celebrate the holidays. The biggest Supreme Court decision relating to education since Brown vs. Board of Education is expected within a few months. The federal government has just expanded its role and funding for K-12 education in America. At the same time, most states and local governments are at least looking to freeze spending after years of big increases because state and local budgets are coming up short.

The Washington Times
Copyright 2002
Saturday, February 23, 2002
LETTERS
Why Cleveland needs school choice
The fate of the Cleveland school district's voucher program is now in the hands of the Supreme Court, who must decide whether the inclusion of religious schools violates the First Amendment. With religious schools providing the only alternative for most Cleveland students, the importance of the court's decision for their well-being cannot be underestimated.